On the topic: "Polystyrene Hives" the subject of AFB, (American Foul Brood), and burning hives along with Gamma Sterilization has been brought up. Have any of you ever experienced problems with AFB in the past? If so, what did you do about it? How did things turn out for you and your bees?
Thanks,
Phillip
Here in Florida, due to yearly inspections, we only get 1% of the hives inspected with AFB. This is pretty amazing considering that a large percentage on the commercial hives spend time, usually during the winter, here in Florida. Most get inspected shortly after arriving. .
The only case that I know of here in Florida was my buddies daughter bought 3 hives from a commercial beekeeper who was probably treating his hives on a consistent basis. Three years later, our Inspecter burned all three hives.
Jim Altmiller
The Department of Primary Industries inspect a % of hive at almonds each year. It is very efficient as alot of hives are assembled in a relatively small area.
We honey test annually for AFB and do brood inspections in spring when splitting hives.
So far no sign of AFB and i hope it never turns up.
A guy I know well had AFB in his apiary a few years ago. He is a migratory beekeeper and picked up the disease in a few of his hives. Took a lot of work to get rid of it. Infected hives were irradiated, all gear thoroughly cleaned and sterilised a few times. He is now very careful as to how he manages his hives. The big boys will be bringing lots of hives into my area in the coming winter. That?s the time where this issue could show up.
Hi Les
I am not so worried about the so called "big boys" because they will be regular testers. To go to almonds you need a negative AFB test.
Two cases of AFB that i know of have come from backyard sources. Most amateur bee keepers don't test as the cost is about $45 per test.
Also would they know the symptoms if they did have it.
We carry microscope slides in the ute to quickly check anything that is suspicious.
Good to know that there are sound procedures in place. It would be a sinking feeling to find out that you have it in your apiary.
The best prevention is never to use Terramycin or Tylosan...
https://www.bing.com/search?q=symbiants+as+major+modulators+of+insect+health&cvid=9de1a3f7c55240b69973420b6f8b676f&aqs=edge..69i57.16469j0j1&pglt=515&FORM=ANNAB1&PC=DCTS
I have never had any AFB.
We had it pretty bad in the late 70's and early 80's.
Best thing is to burn it all, the sooner the better.
The drugs will only mask the symptoms for so long, and then things start to run a muck.
I can remember when I was 16 and going to buy out a sideliner that was retiring, he had 30 hives and all were infected with AFB. Was a sad way to retire. After seeing this I did not buy any equipment he had.
Have not seen it too close to home in several years.